Russian visions of Arabian nights

Moscow-born artist, Ekaterina Shuster studied academic drawing, graphics and Batik for three years at the School of Architecture and Design and the Institute of Business and Design.

Rebirth. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster

The artistic director of the Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art, Joseph Backstein and American graphic designer Michael Sorkin taught her drawing.

Swimmer. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster

As an artist, Shuster began by painting on silk, and then switching to graphics and oil works.

Waterplace. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster 

The ‘Dreams of Shaherezade’ project was the result of Shuster’s combination of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s famous symphonic suite ‘Scheherezade’ and her personal life experiences.

Beautiful valley. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster

“It is important to get in tone, feel the music, choose the right pitch, enjoy the atmosphere and portray a musical theme in painting with passion,” Shuster says.

Eastern Beauty. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster

The artist is inspired by Shaherezade, a legendary queen and the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights.

South coast. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster

 “I think, the illustration of musical scores in paintings is a great opportunity to express my feelings and to convey through paintings what the music dictates,” Shuster adds.

South night. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster

The artwork reflects the inner world of Shaherezade, who lives in the palace of Sultan.

Legend about bloom. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster

The dilemma of choosing between freedom and life in a golden prison is the artist’s leitmotiv. 

Longing for family. Source: Press Photo/Ekaterina Shuster

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